President Signs Opioids Bill Calling For Alternative Tech, More Pain-Control Research

Industry groups praised newly enacted opioid-control legislation Oct. 24. The legislation will put more attention on existing medtech alternatives to addictive opioids and support research on new devices. Industry was positive about the new law, despite its expansion of sunshine reporting requirements that they oppose.

An ampoule Opioid next to it is a note written in English Opioid epidemic. All around, many tablets and syringes are scattered.

The “SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act” signed into law by President Trump Oct. 24 will support development of new medical technologies to help manage pain, as alternatives to opioids. The now-enacted provisions will also make clear to patients that there are non-opioid solutions for pain control with education initiatives for new Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

While the new law also contains one provision that industry opposed, to expand physician payment sunshine reporting requirements for device...

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